CHLOROFORM 163 



The Action on the Nervous System. The action of chloro- 

 form (and ether) upon the nervous system is pretty well described 

 under anesthesia. The action in general is a progressive descend- 

 ing paralysis of the central nervous system. The higher cortical 

 functions pass through a brief period of stimulation, followed by a 

 complete, but temporary, loss of function. The suspension of func- 

 tion involves first the cerebral cortex and the great tracts of the sen- 

 sory and associated centers, later the spinal reflexes and finally the 

 great vital centers in the medulla. Death during chloroform anes- 

 thesia is due to paralysis of the respiratory center unless there is a 

 sudden reflex vagus stimulation and consequent stoppage of the 

 heart, in the early stages of anesthesia. 



Causes of Death from Chloroform Anesthesia. 



1. Reflex stimulation of the vagus and consequent stopping of 

 the heart in the early stages of anesthesia. This is usually due to 

 too concentrated vapor. 



2. Paralysis of the medullary centers and paralysis of the heart. 

 The respiratory center is usually affected earlier than the other cen- 

 ters or the heart. It should be kept in mind, however, that there is 

 no specific action upon the respiratory center but that all the centers 

 are depressed and that the respiratory is the first to become paralyzed. 

 These vital centers are all depressed and the weakest is the first to go. 

 If the heart is diseased it may cease before the respirations stop. 



3. From a toxemia caused by degenerative changes in the inter- 

 nal organs, particularly the liver, in from twelve hours up to four or 

 five days after anesthesia. Cats are very prone to this form of 

 poisoning. 



Therapeutics. 1. Anesthetic. Chloroform is the best agent 

 for general anesthesia of the horse, but on account of its dangerous 

 complications is not to be especially recommended for cattle, sheep, 

 dogs and cats. 



2. Carminative. In flatulence and intestinal colic and diarrhea. 

 Generally employed here as the spirit or emulsion in dilute solution. 



3. Antemetic. It may prove of considerable use in serious cases 

 of vomiting in the dog and cat. For this purpose, one-half to one 

 dram of the water may be given every hour. 



4. Specific for eclampsia of suckling bitches. 



5. Vermicide. Chloroform is a fairly reliable vermicide for 

 round worms and is prescribed with castor oil for this purpose. 



6. Antidote to strychnine poisoning. It is particularly service- 

 able in this case when the convulsions are very severe. It should be 

 given by inhalation, by means of artificial respiration. It is better 

 to change to ether when relaxation occurs, since ether is not so de- 

 pressant to the respiratory center. 



7. For cough. Combined with belladonna and opium and pre- 

 scribed with glycerin, syrup or mucilage. 



